An improved, semi quantitative clot based assay for factor XIII.

摘要

Factor XIII (FXIII) also known as fibrin stabilizing factor is a plasma transglutaminase that cross links gamma-glutamyl-e-lysine residues of fibrinogen chains, thereby stabilizing the fibrin clot. FXIII which circulates in the plasma at a concentration of 10-20 mug mL ~(-1) is a hetero tetramer, composed of two catalytic A subunits and two carrier B subunits linked by non-covalent bonds [1]. FXIII is clearly involved in the clot preservation side of the delicate balance between clot formation and stability and clot degradation. It also participates in other physiological processes including wound repair and healing. FXIII deficiency is associated with severe bleeding, spontaneous intracranial haemorrhages and poor wound healing and spontaneous abortions. Umbilical bleeding is a characteristic and frequent finding occurring in 80% of cases [2]. Post traumatic bleeding appears to be associated with a failure to maintain the integrity of the haemostatic plug.